19th Century Japanese Ivory Sashi Netsuke
Monkeys & Frog
Stacking Up Acrobat
Signature: Gyokuju. Circa: 19th Century
h. 4 in.(10cm), w. 1.3 in.(3cm), d. 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: hair lines, o.a. excellent!

A rare sashi netsuke from the 19th century. Three lively figures stacked up in cream colored elephant ivory. The monkey on top bears the peach of longevity, the frog on the bottom a symbol of perseverance. Unified in detail, the three look out in curiosity, their features rendered with delicate detail; the shadow tinged ears and lightly brushed fur of the monkey’s front contrasting gorgeously with the smooth rounded belly of the frog. From the back, the monkey’s jinbei are intricately etched; one a lily pad motif while the other sports a breathless pine needle pattern. Again in contrast with the frog, whose scaly back practically oozes the impression of slime. Its large size (over 4”) is not typical for mid 19th century netsuke, the cord attachment for the sagemono meant to run through the frog’s feet. Signed on the bottom in red ink by Gyokuju, a cataloged carver known mostly for his wooden carvings. The piece has some hairline cracks, but is otherwise in excellent condition.

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